CNMI-Saipan Visas

FAQ

On this page:

Overview

Two new visa categories were recently created for people who are already working in and living in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI-Saipan). The visa categories are for "transitional workers" (CW-1) and long-term investors (E-2C) and will be valid until December 31, 2019.

Visas for both categories can be issued only after petitions have been filed with and approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Click here to visit the USCIS web site for full information.

The transitional worker and investor visas are valid only for entrance into the CNMI. Visa holders cannot use these visas to travel to or work anywhere else in the United States. However, Filipino transitional workers will be allowed to transit through Guam to the CNMI on their visa.

Classification of CNMI Visas

  • CW-1: Transitional workers who are legally present in the CNMI at the time of the approval of the petition.
  • CW-2: Spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age of CW-1 beneficiaries. CW-2 visa holders are not eligible to work in the CNMI.
  • E-2C: Foreign investors who were lawfully admitted to the CNMI before November 28, 2009, under CNMI investor status. There are three sub-categories for this classification: Long-Term Investor, Foreign Investor, and Retiree Investor. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old of E-2C beneficiaries are eligible to apply for E-2C visas as dependents. Spouses on an E-2C dependent visa may apply for work authorization to be eligible to work in the CNMI.

Application Requirements

To apply for one of the CNMI-Sipan Visas, you must submit the following:

  • A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
  • A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
  • Any old passport(s) containing your previously issued nonimmigrant visas, if applicable.
  • One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph. This page has information about the required photo format.
  • This web page has more information about paying both fees. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
  • An approved I-129CW petition. Click here to view further details about the CNMI-Saipan petition. Note that principal applicants for CW-1 visas may work for more than one employer but must have a seperate petition for each employer.
  • CW-1 applicants must click here and read this pamphlet (PDF) about worker rights and protections prior to their visa interview. Click here for the pamphlet (PDF) in Tagalog. Applicants will be asked if they have received, read, and understood its contents before any visa can be issued.

In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

Dependents

For dependent spouses and children, the following must be submitted in addition to the basic requirements:

  • Copy of principal applicant's current nonimmigrant CW-1 or E-2C visa (if following to join)
  • Copy of principal applicant's approved I-129CW petition
  • Marriage certificate issued on Philippine National Statistics Office (NSO) security paper for spouses
  • Birth certificate(s) issued on Philippine National Statistics Office (NSO) security paper for eligible unmarried children

How to Apply

Step 1
Pay the visa application fee.

Step 2
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.

Step 3
Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:

      • Your passport number
      • The date you paid your fee
      • The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

Step 4
Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one recent photograph, your current and all old passports. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.